United States Mint Opens Sales for 2013 American Buffalo Gold Reverse Proof Coin on August 8

WASHINGTON - Collectors, mark your calendars! The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the 2013 American Buffalo Gold Reverse Proof Coin (product code BV1) at noon Eastern Time (ET) on August 8, 2013. The coin will be available for a four-week period ending September 5 at 5 p.m. (ET). There is no mintage limit for this product. Customer demand will determine the number of coins produced. The coin is being minted and sold to mark the 100th anniversary of the designs appearing on the original Type I Buffalo nickel.

The American Buffalo Gold Reverse Proof Coin is struck in .9999 fine, 24-karat gold at the United States Mint at West Point. The coin is produced in the same manner as a traditional proof coin. However, unlike the traditional proof coin, which has a mirror-like background and frosted design elements, the reverse proof coin has a frosted background and mirror-like design elements.

The coin's obverse (heads) and reverse (tails) designs are based on James Earle Fraser's original designs, first appearing in 1913. The obverse depicts the profile of a Native American, while the reverse depicts an American Buffalo (also known as a bison). Each coin is presented in an elegant matte finish hardwood box with a faux leather inset. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Orders will be accepted via the bureau's online catalog at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A $4.95 shipping and handling charge will be added to all domestic orders.

The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint's numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of August 8, 2013, noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint's Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.